Unusual sightings of ‘devil bird’ across Melbourne raise migration mysteries for researchers

The koel usually migrates from Asia to areas of north-east Australia, but there has recently been an increase in sightings across Victoria. Photograph: Hal Beral/Getty Images

Climate change may be one reason why the so-called devil bird – known for its incessant late-night mating call – has become more common in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, according to researchers.

The koel, a migratory bird, usually arrives in Australia from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to breed from late September to early October, when the male will sing his advertising call day and night to attract a female.